STAFF PICKS

This gripping page-turner takes the reader on a 19th century voyage from the Isle of Man to Tasmania, skillfully weaving together multiple characters, settings, and points of view. Pay special attention to the captain – his comments made me laugh out loud. Based on real and sometimes grisly events, this novel explores the colonization of Tasmania and the true meaning of character. Search Catalog (new window).

What could have happened to America and the world if Charles Lindbergh had defeated FDR in the 1940 presidential election? Philip Roth creates a fascinating thriller based upon characters in a Jewish, New Jersey family living with the ramifications of that election: anti-Semitism and what can happen when a government restricts religious freedoms in the name of what is good for the country. Search Catalog (new window).

Ali was born a Muslim in Somalia, was given in marriage to a Muslim living in Canada by her father, but escaped and became a citizen of the Netherlands. Her life as a Muslim woman on a daily basis – as a student, as a refugee, as an educated person – and her feelings and opinions about her life are described with clarity. Search Catalog (new window).

90-something Jacob Jankowski tells the story of his youth in this finely rendered novel (in my opinion, the best novel of 2007). Jacob joins the Benzini Brothers circus during the early part of the Depression years after finding himself orphaned and destitute. He becomes a member of the circus family, finding love, cruelty, and a wonderful elephant named Rosie. Search Catalog (new window).

Following her suicide, Hannah Baker shares the story of her death, telling thirteen interconnected taped stories of why she killed herself. Thirteen of her acquaintances will receive the cassettes, and in this novel, we experience them through the eyes of one of the teens, Clay Jenson. This excellent teen novel is highly recommended for high school and up. Search Catalog (new window).

The first full-length novel for children to win the prestigious Caldecott Award for illustration, Selznick’s fascinating book takes the reader on a mysterious journey through the walls of a Paris train station in 1931.  Hugo, an orphan, with a talent for all things mechanical meets a mysterious toy maker and begins to unravel the secrets of the past. Search Catalog (new window).

Are you looking for something a little different?  In this short story collection, Miranda July presents her whimsical, eccentric and sometimes creepy protagonists for our reading pleasure. Search Catalog (new window).

If you’ve seen the movies, you’ve only gotten half the story. If you’re a fan you need to read it. If you like well drawn characters and settings, with lots of adventure, this is a book for you. Search Catalog (new window).

Diagnosed with ALS at age 35, Philip Simmons writes with remarkable optimism and deep spirituality. His theme is relevant to us all as we face a myriad of “learning to fall” moments in our life.  His book is not overly sentimental but a genuinely inspirational read - one of my top five all-time favorites. Search Catalog (new window).

The book chronicles Gail Eisnitz’s (an animal welfare investigator) time spent investigating the meat industry and the effects its cruelty has on the animals, the factory workers and the environment. I find it is a great reflection of our culture and harkens to Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle and how we are not quite so evolved in our humanity and health standards. Search Catalog (new window).

Narrated by Gordianus the Finder, an ancient Roman-styled detective, readers get to experience the tumultuous times and events leading up to the establishment of Julius Caesar as Emperor of Rome. In The Judgment of Caesar, we meet Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy, who were at war with each other for the crown of Egypt. Saylor, who has had a lifelong fascination with ancient Rome, brings his characters to life and transports readers right into their world. Search Catalog (new window).